Explore the compelling narrative of Can't Get There From Here: New Zealand's Shrinking Railway 1920-2020 by Andre Brett. This authoritative book dives deep into the transformation of New Zealand's rail network, chronicling a century of expansion and decline in intercity and regional passenger services. Dimensions of 170 x 240 mm, this paperback edition spans 384 pages and is published by Otago University Press. With the resurgence of urban passenger rail in Auckland and Wellington, it raises crucial questions about the accessibility and sustainability of rail transport across the rest of New Zealand. Why is there such a stark contrast in passenger rail availability outside these major cities? This thought-provoking work not only examines the historical context of railway infrastructure in New Zealand but also discusses the pressing challenges facing regional communities in light of a climate emergency. Brett argues against the inevitability of the decline of passenger rail, posing the possibility of a different future and underscoring the need for effective transport policies that prioritize sustainability. This book is essential for anyone interested in New Zealand's transport history, environmental policy, and future transport solutions. Secure your copy today and understand the past to shape a sustainable future! We are happy to combine shipping. This product is in stock in NZ, ensuring no unexpected import charges, custom duty, or tax.

CONDITION: Brand New
Dimensions: 170 x 240 mm
Pages: 384
Bind: paperback
Author: Andre Brett Publisher: Otago University Press
Publication Date: 15-11-2021

Urban passenger rail patronage in Auckland and Wellington is now booming after many years of decline. Outside these two centres, however, the situation is quite different: intercity and regional passenger rail services are scarce, and no other city possesses suburban rail. Not only does this hamper the mobility of regional New Zealanders, it is incongruous in light of the climate emergency declared by many local councils. Can’t Get There from Here traces the expansion and – more commonly – the contraction of New Zealand’s passenger rail network over the last century. What is the historical context of today’s imbalance between rail and road? How far and wide did the passenger rail network once run? Why is there an abject lack of services beyond the North Island’s two main cities, even as demand for passenger transport continues to grow? This book seeks to answer these questions. In this fascinating study, Andre Brett argues that the trend away from passenger rail might appear inevitable and irreversible but it was not. Things could have been - and still could be - very different. We need to understand the challenges that brought passenger rail to the brink of extinction in order to create policy for future transport that is efficient and sustainable.

We are happy to combine shipping. Smartfox is a NZ owned business located in Auckland. This product is in stock in NZ which means no unexpected import charges, custom duty or tax.